Kotzebue - Week 7 (21)

I trust that this reaches you all doing well and busy in the ministry. This past week was a very very frigid one here in the territory. Temperatures ranged from the "warmest" being -17°F all the way to -38°F.

As you can imagine it takes a good amount of time for one to acclimate to such extremes in temperature. As you may be aware,  the wind plays a very significant factor in how cold the temperature will range. Also at those same times for health reasons, it is advisable from the Locals and official reports not to be exposed to that extreme of cold for a prolonged time. Things such as severe windburn & frostbite become more likely to occur.

On the topic of Cold and the elements, notice what the book of Job chapter 37 helps us to appreciate. There we're told to do something starting in verse number 2.

There it says: "Listen carefully to the rumbling of his voice. And the thunder that comes from his mouth."

We are told to "listen carefully" to "his voice". That being our God, Jehovah. And we know that by examining the context of the subsequent verses.

Verse 3: "He unleashes it under the entire heavens and sends his lightning to the ends of the earth."

Verse 4: "After that is a roaring sound; He thunders with a majestic voice, and he does not hold it back when his voice is heard."

Verse 5: "God thunders with his voice in a wonderful way"

There we are helped to appreciate the powerful facets of creation coming from the "majestic voice" of Jehovah. Lightning, Thunder etc. Knowing the source of these wonderful elements draws us closer to Him does it not?

Notice what we are further told continuing on in that verse: "He does great things that are beyond our understanding."

Yes, we as imperfect humans have such a limited scope of understanding things from from the standpoint of Jehovah. But yet he allows us to "see" limitedly by means of creation.

Notice what's next said.

Verse 6: "For he says to the snow, ‘Fall to the earth,’ and to the downpour of rain, ‘Pour down mightily.’"

This I thought was very fitting as most parts of the US are now getting some considerable snowfall. And then in verse 7 we read: "God puts a stop to all human activity so that every mortal man will know His work."

Have you ever seen when an entire town or area will shut down because of elements like snow, sleet or perhaps something else? Yes Jehovah "puts a stop to all human activity" at times. Gives us time to consider "His work" and draw closer to Him as the God we have the privilege of worshipping today.

Look further in verse 9: "The storm wind blows from its chamber, and the cold comes from the north winds."

In verse number 10 we read: "By the breath of God, the ice is produced,
And the broad waters are frozen solid.

I immediately thought of the Frozen Kotzebue Sound and Chukchi Sea. (See attached) All from the "breath of God".

Here's the point in verse 14: "Listen to this, Job; Stop and consider carefully the wonderful works of God."

Yes Job was told to consider there's that key word again, carefully "the wonderful works of God". To meditate on them. To really think of what they mean and how they apply directly to us in our daily lives.

We feel as verse 22 says: "God’s majesty is awe-inspiring."

Some have asked how one would dress for a day in view of the conditions we live and preach in. And how much land we cover in a day.

The answer to the 1st question can be summed up in one word: Layers.

To elaborate further, we have to dress in layers according to the weather. Of course the gear we dress in for the ministry and day to day activities aren't your typical Coat, boots, glove and hats. They are designed for this type of cold and Arctic living. I remember what one brother at the Branch office gave me as advice coming from South Florida to Alaska. He told me: "Don't waste time or money trying to find cold weather clothes in South Florida. You have to get Alaska gear in Alaska." Very very true.

Not having a vehicle in this territory and climate can be a challenge. Some teams utilize vehicles for their territory however, we usually walk anywhere from 3 to 5 miles a day in service. While difficult at times, it has proven to be more efficient in reaching people on foot in a compact village such as this.

What would be the 'job description' of an Isolated Special Pioneer?

There is a good definition found in the 2003 Yearbook regarding specifically Nicaragua. Here's what it had to say:

"Temporary special pioneers, drawn from the ranks of zealous regular pioneers, work remote towns and villages in the RAAN and the RAAS for four months during the dry season. These hardy pioneers contend with extreme heat, rugged terrain, snakes, wild animals, contaminated water, and the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Their goal is to give a thorough witness, conduct Bible studies with interested ones, and hold Christian meetings, including the Memorial. The results they obtain also help the branch office to determine where special pioneers should be assigned. Over the years, this program has led to the forming of congregations and groups in the towns of Waspam and San Carlos, along the Coco River in the far northeast."

With the exception of some of those specifics of Nicaragua and the "extreme heat" for us, that pretty much sums up well what the purpose of our assignment here in these remote areas is. We count it a true joy and honor to make such whole hearted sacrifices for the Kingdom Good News.

While you may not have to contend with such extreme or difficult circumstances in your ministry, perhaps something else of an extreme nature specific to you could be your trial. Be assured that Jehovah Cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7) Continue to trust in the Comfort He provides you. Rely solely on Him for Strength and Support.

My prayer is that Jehovah keep you and prove to be with you in the days ahead. Yes He will never leave you. He will never fail you. Truly, His "majesty is awe-inspiring".

Warm Love and Best Wishes,

M. J. Penfield

Alaska Fact of the Week: Alaska is the only state to have coastlines on three different seas: the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea.